Motif magazine hosted another of its monthly Mixology Madness cocktail competitions, this time in collaboration with longtime cocktail competition planner and event host John Begin of Newport Live Events’ Cocktail Wars over the Fourth of July weekend. Held at the Newport Harbor Island Resort on July 6, an expresso martini theme featuring spirits from Connecticut’s Litchfield Distillery was enjoyed by approximately 125 guests who cheered on local bartenders, enjoying samples during the Sunday afternoon with live music from event emcee DJ Darwin. Bartenders created drinks for the judges and the crowd, with Mitchell Swass taking the top slot with his Frozen Espresso Martini, which featured Litchfield Distillery Vodka, fresh Café Bustelo espresso, Michael’s Celtic Irish Cream Liqueur, local Autocrat Coffee Syrup, vanilla paste, ice cream and ice, blended until smooth and topped with whipped cream and edible glitter. Competition Runner-Up Alysa Roy took second place with her Blueberry Espresso Affogato featuring Litchfield Distillery Batchers’ Blueberry Flavored Vodka, fresh espresso, vanilla syrup, Kapali Coffee Liqueur and McGrath’s Original Country Cream, shaken, then poured over ice cream.
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- Litchfield Distillery Vodka was the showcased spirit for Motif and Newport Live Events’ Cocktail Wars espresso martini cocktail competition on July 6.
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- The event was hosted at the Newport Harbor Island Resort.
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- Litchfield Distillery Brand Ambassadors Roula Vithoulkas and Doug Maloney.
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- Litchfield Distillery Espresso Martini Small-Batch Cocktail, Batchers’ Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Batchers’ Strawberry Flavored Vodka were among spirits showcased.
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- Competition Judges Peter Baker, Co-owner, Litchfield Distillery; Everett Crafford, Server, The Quencher; John Begin, Founder and Event Co-host, Cocktail Wars Newport (standing); Corrin Crowley, Bartender, Benjamin’s; and Elton Thomas, U.S. Coast Guard.
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- Winner Mitchell Swass, Bartender, Gas Lamp Grille took first place with his Frozen Espresso Martini.
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- Swass’ winning cocktail, the Frozen Espresso Martini, featuring Litchfield Distillery Vodka.
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- Runner-Up Alysa Roy, Bartender, Officer’s Club.
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- Roy’s Blueberry Espresso Affogato featuring Litchfield Distillery Batchers’ Blueberry Flavored Vodka.
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- Competitor Nichole Bonollo, Owner and Bartender, Sippin’ Pretty Mobile Bar.
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- Bonollo’s Oreo Espresso Martini topped with Oreo crumbs.
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- Competitor Andrea Maisano, Owner, Mixolo’Dre, Traveling Bartender.
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- Maisano’s Chocolate Covered Strawberry Espresso Martini.
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- Competitor Tait Applegate, Bartender, Scales & Shells and the Newport Elks Lodge.
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- Applegate’s Chocolate Covered Banana Espresso Martini.
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- Competitor Melissa Lopez, Owner/Bartender, meld. mobile bar services.
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- Lopez’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Espresso Martini.
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- Competitors Andrew Allan and Bryan Hoffman from Coastal Microscopes teamed up.
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- Allan and Hoffman’s Spicy Tequila Espresso Martini featuring Litchfield Distillery Batchers’ Agave Spirits.
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- An array of finished cocktails for the judges.
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- John Begin, Founder, and Event Co-host, Cocktail Wars Newport and Competition Judge; Winner Mitchell Swass; and Runner-Up Alysa Roy.
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- Litchfield Distillery Ambassador Doug Maloney mixed sample cocktails for guests.
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- Litchfield Distillery Espresso Martini Small-Batch Cocktail with a Batchers’ Blueberry Flavored Vodka floater.
Photos by Laura Widness.
